Exercise Band

ABSTRACT

This invention is directed toward an exercise band that is circular in shape, defining a central cavity with a diameter sufficient to allow average people to insert their legs into the cavity, and push in an outward direction to exercise the gluteus muscle groups. The exercise band has an inner core of a resiliently stretchable material, and an outer cover made from a material that is easily washed, to remove the sweat of the user. The connection of the two ends of the invention is accomplished through a three-fold sew-based connection. The band provides a simple, small, easily transported and stored exercise device for standing, sitting, squatting and prone exercises. Several of these bands, each with a different degree of resistance, can be combined in a set, allowing people to “work up” to ever-increasingly more resistant bands without having to adapt to a new shape of band.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility patent application claims priority back to U.S. provisional application No. 62/500,846 filed May 3, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was not federally sponsored.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the general field of exercise devices, and more specifically, to an exercise band that can be used to exercise and strengthen a number of muscle groups, including the gluteus and legs of the user. In one embodiment of the invention, a series of color-coded bands, each with increasing levels of resistance, is provided so that a user can “move up” to more strenuous exercising as he/she progresses, without have to switch the exercise equipment.

The exercise band was invented to provide a simple, inexpensive, easy-to-transport and easy-to-store device that can be used for a variety of glute exercises. Machines and devices for glute exercises are not new. However, most are large and bulky to the point where a user wishing to avail himself/herself of the benefits of these items normally would have to physically locate the device in a home, or visit a gym to use such as device. Thus, there has existed a long-felt need for a device by which a user can accomplish gluteus exercises without having to buy an expensive, large machine and take up a considerable amount of room storing said machine between uses, or to visit a gym where he/she may need to wait to use the desired machine.

Another problem faced by people which to exercise is trying to keep one's legs and knees stable when doing squats, or other exercises where the knees have a tendency to flare apart. Thus, there is also a need for a small, simple device that an exerciser can use to keep his/her knees and legs stable while exercising.

A final need is to have an invention that can multiply the exercise benefit of a particular exercise, and yet be small and portable. For example, many would benefit from a device that could make walking on a treadmill, lunging, squatting, using free weights or kettlebells, or doing other exercises more beneficial through increased resistance, without having to utilize large exercise devices that are hard to transport.

The current invention provides just such a solution by teaching a small, inexpensive, band-like device that can be used for the same gluteus workouts as would normally require a large, stationary, relatively immovable machine. The band is circular, with a resiliently-stretchable core covered on both sides by a covering material. The core can be made of rubber or a synthetic blend. A particularly preferred embodiment has a series of three bands, each with a different amount of resistance, each color coded to indicated the level—for example, beginner, intermediate and advanced—for each of the bans. These bands can be sold as a set, or individually as a user progresses in his/her training.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the exercise bands are manufactured as follows:

Level 1. Outer color is purple. Core is made from 66% knitted polyester and 34% latex, with an elongation of 120%+/−10%.

Level 2. Outer color is Teal. Core is made from 61% knitted polyester & 39% latex, with an elongation 120%+/−10%.

Level 3. Outer color is pink. Core is made 70% woven polyester & 30% latex.

By switching from knitted polyester to woven polyester for the Level 3 band, the bands can remain the exact same size and shape. This allows a user of the invention to “graduate up” from one color to the next color without having to get use to a new shape of exercise band.

The band can be made of varying heights, but in a preferred embodiment, is around 3″ to 5″ in height, with a particularly preferred embodiment having a band height of 4″. The central cavity defined by the front, back, and sides of the band is slightly larger than a space between an average person's thighs measured right above the knees. This allows a user to “step into” the cavity, locate the band around the legs (either above or below the knees depending on the exercises to be performed) and perform various exercises by pushing apart the knees. The invention also serves to keep a user's knees and legs together, in a relatively stable position while the user of the invention is performing squats or another exercise in which the user's knees tend to flare outward. Because it is so small, lightweight and easy to transport, the device can be used to increase the workout a user has with common exercise equipment such as treadmills, kettlebells, free weights, etc. by wearing the invention during these workouts.

The strength of the band can be varied to provide bands of greater or lesser resistance. The height of the band can similarly be changed to provide different amounts of resistance.

The core is covered on both sides by a covering material. The covering material is designed to be somewhat stretchy, non-rash forming, non-allergenic, and tough enough to withstand repeated washing and exposure to body sweats and oils. The covering material is initially sewn as a tube with the stitches on the outside, then turned inside out to create the more attractive look with the stitches on the inside. There are two ends on the tube, and once the core is inserted, one end is inserted into the opening on the other end, then the tube is folded back on itself once and sewn together, creating three overlapping sections that are attached to each other to provide a strong point of joinder. Attached to one of the folds is a pull tab, which can be used to grab the device during use, or by which the device can be stored when not in use. The pull tab can be made from a stretchy, or non-stretchy material, and can serve as the site of advertising material, and/or be used to hang the invention when it is not in use. A particularly preferred embodiment has a covering material made from 82% nylon and 18% Spandex, with, optionally, different colors to signify the different amounts of resistance of the different bands.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an exercise band with a core and a covering.

Additional objects of the invention include providing an exercise band with a secure means of attachment between the two ends.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise band with an attractive covering portion that does not show stitches.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an exercise device that is small, inexpensive, easy to store and easy to transport, that provides a similar or better quality of gluteus or leg exercise as would a larger, stationary device.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide an exercise band that can be used to enhance a workout that a user is performing by adding resistance to the effort needed to accomplish the workout.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a small, lightweight, easily transported exercise device that works for both isolation and compound muscle workouts.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise band that can be used for standing, sitting, squatting and prone exercise positions.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. The features listed herein and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. For example, while a preferred embodiment with a height of approximately three inches is shown as an example, it is contemplated that larger heights and smaller heights of the band could be used for different exercising needs.

It should be understood the while the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations and changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

One preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of my invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an exercise band.

FIG. 3 is a back view of an exercise band.

FIG. 4 is a right-side view of an exercise band.

FIG. 5 is a left-side view of an exercise band.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an exercise band.

FIG. 6A is a top view of an exercise band with an enlarged section.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an exercise band.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exercise band.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the invention being used in a resting position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the invention during the stretching portion of an exercise routine.

REFERENCE NUMBERS USED

-   -   19. Invention generally     -   20. Band top     -   21. Band middle section     -   22. Band bottom     -   23. Fold generally     -   24. Outer face     -   25. Inner face     -   26. Pull tab     -   27. Cross sectional view generally     -   28. Cover     -   29. Core     -   30. Outer fold     -   31. Inner fold     -   32. Central fold     -   33. Band insert     -   34. User of invention     -   35. Resting position     -   36. Stretching position

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not limited in their application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments of the invention are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, the “cover” of the exercise invention could also be referred to as the “outer cover” or “surface” of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of my invention. The invention, generally referenced as 1, has a band top 2, a band middle section 3, a band bottom 4, an outer face 6, an inner face 7, a fold 5, and a pull tab 8. The invention 1 has a core (not shown in the figure as it is covered but is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8. The two ends of the invention are sewn together at the fold 5. From one of the folds, a pull tab 8 is inserted. The pull tab 8 can be used to adjust the invention during its use, and to hang the invention from a hook during times when it is not being used. In a preferred embodiment, the band is between 3″ and 5″ in height, while a particularly preferred embodiment has a band with a 4″ height.

The outer face 6 and the inner face 7 are manufactured from a single sheet of fabric. The type of material making up this outer cover can be varied to give the exercise band different characteristics. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, a series of exercise bands, each with an increasing level of resistance, is provided, such that a user of the invention can “graduate up” to the next level of resistance when appropriate.

In a preferred embodiment, there are three separate bands, each with an increasing amount of resistance, and yet each has the same shape and size, such that a user of the invention can “move up” to increasingly difficult levels of resistance and yet not have to adjust to a new size or shape of an exercise band. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the “beginner” level of band has a core made from a blend of 66% knitted polyester and 34% latex, the “intermediate” level of band has a core of 61% knitted polyester and 39% latex, and the “advanced” level of band has a core of 70% woven polyester and 30% latex.

Through this series of exercise bands, people trying to tone their bodies can gradually work up to increasingly more resistant bands without having to change their routine because their “new” exercise device is of a different width, length or configuration.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an exercise band. The band top 2 and band bottom 4 define the height of the band. As discussed previously, the band can be manufactured higher or lower depending on the size and physical fitness level of the potential buyer, as well as the exercise regimen he/she intends to follow. The outer face 6 of the invention can be manufactured from a variety of materials depending on the end use intended for the invention. Covering materials can include washable, sweat-proof, water-resistant, or even breathable fabrics. This is not intending to be a complete list of the possible fabrics, but merely a suggestive list showing the types of characteristics the cover could have.

The pull tab 8 is sewn into the fold (generally referenced as 5 in other figures), and provides a “handle” by which, optionally, the invention can be adjusted during use and for storage when the invention is not in use. Another potential use for the pull tab 8 is for advertising logos and other promotional indicia.

FIG. 3 is a back view of an exercise band. The same parts of the invention are referenced in the discussion under FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a right-side view of an exercise band. This drawing illustrates the fold (generally referenced as 5) that is used to attach the two ends of the invention and shows how the pull tab 8 is sewn into the fold 5 during the creation of the fold 5.

FIG. 5 is a left-side view of an exercise band. No new components are represented by this figure.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an exercise band. This drawing shows how the fold 5 is located on one side of the invention, how the pull tab 8 extends outward from the fold 5. This figure also shows a small exploded cross-sectional view of the invention. There is an outer face 6, and inner face 7 and a core 11. The core 11 is preferably made of rubber, but could conceivably be made from elastic, braided fabric, or any other material that stretches. On either side of the core 11 are two pieces of the cover 10.

FIG. 6A is a top view of the invention with an enlarged section.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an exercise band. This drawing provides a better view of the fold, generally referenced as 5 on other drawings. To begin attaching the two ends of the invention to each other, one end of the band is inserted into the other end at a band insert point 15. The band is then folded back on itself to create and outer fold 12, a central fold 14, and an inner fold 13. The pull tab 8 is then inserted into the gap between the inner fold 13 and the central fold 14, and the three-fold layers are then stitched together.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exercise band. The inner face 7 is shown in this figure, along with the band top 2 and the band bottom 4. In the cross section of the band, there is a core 11, sandwiched in between two covers 10. The outside of the outer cover is called the outer face 6, and the side of the inner cover facing the cavity in the middle of the invention is called the inner face 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the invention 1 being used in a resting position. In this figure, the user of the invention 16 has her thighs in a relaxed position such that the resting position 17 of the invention does not place a significant load of resistance against the inner thigh muscles.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the invention during the stretching portion of an exercise routine. In this figure, the user of the invention 16 has extended her leg forward in direction 18, placing a considerable amount of resistance on a variety of muscle groups.

It should also be noted that the invention can work with a number of exercises where the user of the invention is laying down. In between the standing, sitting, and lying down exercises, the invention works are variety of muscle groups, including but not limited to the buttocks, gluteus medius, gluteus maaximus, gluteus minimus, pensorsasciae latae muscle, bastus lateralis muscle, and abductor muscles. The bands can also be used to strengthen a user's hips, knees, and ankles, and thereby helping to decrease sciatica (low back pain, piriformis, weak hips, weak knees).

It should be understood that while the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations and changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my invention.

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved. 

That which is claimed:
 1. A set of bands for exercising, consisting of three bands, a first band, a second band, and a third band, with each band comprising: a core, a cover, where the core is inserted into the cover, and where the cover and core comprise a band, where the band has two ends, where a first end is inserted into the second band, and the first end and the second end are attached by a means of attachment.
 2. The set of bands of claim 1, where the means of attachment for each of the three bands is one or more folds, where the one or more folds result in at least three sections of the band being folded back such that there are three overlapping sections, additionally comprising one or more elements to stitching, where there one or more elements of stitching extend through all three folds, where each band has a band height, and the band height is 4″.
 3. The set of bands of claim 2, were for each of the three bands, the core comprises a rectangular piece of material, where the rectangular piece of material is folded over the core, where the rectangular piece of material additionally comprises a length and one or more elements of stitching, where the one or more elements of stitching extend along the entire length of the rectangular piece of material, and where the cover is folded inside out before the core is inserted.
 4. The set of bands of claim 3, where each of the three bands additionally comprises a pull tab where the pull tab is attached to the fold, where the pull tab comprises a strip of material, where the strip of material has two ends, where each of the two ends is attached to the fold, where each of the two ends is attached to the fold by the means of stitching, where the pull tab defines a pull tab cavity, where the pull tab cavity is approximately 2 inches in length.
 5. The set of bands of claim 4, where the core of the first band is comprised of 66% knitted polyester and 34% latex, with an elongation of 120%+/−10%, where the core of the second band is comprised of 61% knitted polyester & 39% latex, with an elongation 120%+/−10%, and where the core of the third band is comprised of 70% woven polyester & 30% latex.
 6. The set of bands from claim 5, where the cover of the three bands is comprised of 82% nylon and 18% Spandex.
 7. A set of bands for exercising, comprising at least two bands, with each band comprising: a core, a cover, where the core is inserted into the cover, and where the cover and core comprise a band, where the band has two ends, where a first end is inserted into the second band, and the first end and the second end are attached by a means of attachment.
 8. The set of bands of claim 7, where the means of attachment for each of the at least two bands is one or more folds, where the one or more folds result in at least three sections of the band being folded back such that there are three overlapping sections, additionally comprising one or more elements to stitching, where there one or more elements of stitching extend through all three folds.
 9. The set of bands of claim 8, were for each of the at least two bands, the core comprises a rectangular piece of material, where the rectangular piece of material is folded over the core, where the rectangular piece of material additionally comprises a length and one or more elements of stitching, where the one or more elements of stitching extend along the entire length of the rectangular piece of material, and where the cover is folded inside out before the core is inserted.
 10. The set of bands of claim 9, where each of the at least two bands additionally comprises a pull tab where the pull tab is attached to the fold, where the pull tab comprises a strip of material, where the strip of material has two ends, where each of the two ends is attached to the fold, where each of the two ends is attached to the fold by the means of stitching, where the pull tab defines a pull tab cavity, where the pull tab cavity is approximately 2 inches in length.
 11. The set of bands of claim 10, where there are three bands, where the core of a first band is comprised of 66% knitted polyester and 34% latex, and where the core of a second band is comprised of 61% knitted polyester & 39% latex, and where the cover of each of the three bands is comprised of 82% nylon and 18% Spandex.
 12. The set of bands of claim 11, where the cover of each of the three bands is comprised of 82% nylon and 18% Spandex.
 13. The set of bands of claim 12, where the core of the third band is comprised of 70% woven polyester & 30% latex, and where each band has a band height, and the band height is 4″.
 14. The set of bands of claim 7, where the number of bands is three, comprising a first band, a second band, and a third band, where the core of the first band is comprised of 66% knitted polyester and 34% latex, and where the core of the second band is comprised of 61% knitted polyester & 39% latex, and where the core of the third band is comprised of 70% woven polyester & 30% latex.
 15. The set of bands of claim 14, where the cover of each of the bands is comprised of 82% nylon and 18% Spandex.
 16. A band for exercising, comprising: a core, a cover, where the core is inserted into the cover, and where the cover and core comprise a band, where the band has two ends, where a first end is inserted into the second band, and the first end and the second end are attached by a means of attachment, where the means of attachment is one or more folds, where the one or more folds result in at least three sections of the band being folded back such that there are three overlapping sections, additionally comprising one or more elements to stitching, where there one or more elements of stitching extend through all three folds, where the band additionally comprises a band top and a band bottom, additionally comprising a band height, where the band height is the distance between the band top and the band bottom, where the band height is less than four inches, where the core comprises a rectangular piece of material, where the rectangular piece of material that is folded over the core, where the rectangular piece of material additionally comprises a length and one or more elements of stitching, where the one or more elements of stitching extend along the entire length of the rectangular piece of material, where the cover is folded inside out before the core is inserted, where each of the two ends is attached to the fold, where each of the two ends is attached to the fold by the means of stitching.
 17. The band of claim 16, where the cover is comprised of 82% nylon and 18% Spandex, and where the band has a band height, and the band height is 4″.
 18. The band of claim 16, where the core of the band is comprised of 66% knitted polyester and 34% latex, with an elongation of 120%+/−10%.
 19. The band of claim 16, where the core of the band is comprised of 61% knitted polyester & 39% latex, with an elongation 120%+/−10%.
 20. The band of claim 16, The set of bands from claim 5, where the core of the band is comprised of 70% woven polyester & 30% latex. 